The centre, opposite Marketplace in Verner Street, opened last month, but management has only now officially announced its readiness to receive clients. It follows a long campaign by members of the community affected by suicide and mental health.

It gives young people aged 12 to 25 from the Goulburn area access to youth-friendly, free and confidential mental health and wellbeing services.

Ron de Jongh, Grand Pacific Health chief executive, the lead agency for headspace Goulburn, said he was excited to see the new centre come to life.

“The community’s vision is now a reality! I am thrilled that after years of advocacy, the headspace service is now available for the young people of Goulburn and surrounding communities,” he said.

headspace Goulburn will share the new premises with the rest of the Grand Pacific Health team based in Goulburn. The site is intended to become a ‘youth service hub’, so that young people, their families, carers or friends know where to go for help.

Mr de Jongh said headspace had worked with local young people over the past few months to ensure the centre was a welcoming and safe environment where they felt comfortable.

The organisation will continue to consult with the headspace Goulburn Youth Reference group to ensure that young people direct the way services are delivered through the centre.

Federal Hume MP Angus Taylor was among those who campaigned heavily for the service, following a surge in local suicides. He visited the centre in February and met with Dianne Kitcher, chief executive of COORDINARE – South Eastern NSW Primary Health Network and Mr de Jongh.

“Many people in Goulburn have worked tirelessly over many years to see the headspace vision come to life and now the whole community can benefit from their efforts,” Mr Taylor said.

“The opening of headspace is a huge step forward in tackling youth mental health issues in the local community.”

The centre is one of four in South Eastern NSW funded by COORDINARE.

A number of events, including an official launch, are being planned, with the first to take place through Youth Week, enabling the community to learn more about the centre and its services.

Further details about the event can be found on the headspace Goulburn Facebook page or by calling the centre on 4824 4927.

There are multiple ways to connect with headspace Goulburn: Young people can phone or email or drop into the centre, family members, friends, GP, schools and other services can also make a referral on the young person’s behalf, referrals can also be received from GPs, schools or other services.